Demand that mental health screenings and treatment be the standard in all schools.

Our children are suffering in silence! Demand that mental health screenings and treatment be the standard in all schools.

The increase in school shootings across America has exposed mental illness as a silent epidemic, and has sparked much needed dialogue on mental illness and mental health care. Research shows that 1 in 5 youth suffer from mental illness, with approximately 50% experiencing chronic mental health conditions as early as age 14. Youths spend a significant amount of time at school, making this environment a natural and vital setting for mental health service delivery and education. For this reason, we call on our lawmakers in Congress to pass legislation that will make mental health screenings and treatment mandatory in all schools.

Mental health screenings in schools will ensure students are identified and treated in a timely manner and can help remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Research shows that identifying and treating symptoms early can reduce learning barriers and improve academic performance. Early detection and intervention has also been known to reduce long term effects and prevent unnecessary suffering. Implementing mandatory mental health screenings and treatment in schools will ensure that all students regardless of their socioeconomic background receive services equally, and help promote a culture where mental health care is no longer a taboo topic.